ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors consider the benefits of language study in primary school. They become acquainted with the Australian Curriculum: Languages. The authors synthesise some essential principles in primary language teaching and describe some forms of language assessment that have a positive effect on teaching and learning. They highlight the importance of a whole-school approach to language learning. Finally, foreign language learning has been shown to enhance students’ literacy and numeracy skills, and develop their meta-linguistic awareness (sensitivity to the underlying structures of a language, such as its sounds and grammar). In addition, language runs across the seven general capabilities in the curriculum (literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology capability, critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, ethical understanding and intercultural understanding). In each school community, parent and student attitudes to language learning will vary and the education authority will have a strong influence on language provision.
